The Pont du Gard, twenty-five kilometres northeast, is the masterpiece of Roman aqueduct engineering: three tiers of arches striding across the Gardon river, carrying water to Nîmes. It is a UNESCO site with a well-organised visitor centre. Walking trails along the river give the best views.
Several great cities sit within an hour's drive or train ride: Avignon with its papal palace, Arles with its Roman amphitheatre and Van Gogh connections, Montpellier with its medieval centre. Closer to home, Uzès is a perfectly preserved small town. South of the city, the wetlands of the Camargue — with bulls, white horses, and flamingos — start about thirty kilometres away.